Prayer - Beyond

Hannah prayed, and the Lord gave her a son, Samuel.

"And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. ... For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:" - 1 Samuel 1:10, 27 KJV

Solomon prayed, and the fire came down from heaven, and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house." - 2 Chronicles 7:1 KJV

Daniel prayed, and God gave him understanding of the end times.

"Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel…informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding." - Daniel 9:21-22 KJV

The church prayed and Peter was miraculously delivered from prison.

"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. ... And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews." - Acts 12:5, 11 KJV

Through prayer, things can be accomplished that we could never do. Souls can be reached that we could never reach. Miracles can happen. Never underestimate what God will do through your prayers.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6 KJV

What must I do to be saved?

Why wait? Obey Acts 2:38

[upci.org church locator]

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38-42 KJV

Walking in the Spirit

 Jesus did not die for us to continue in sin; He died so that we could have victory over sin by His Spirit!

When we repent of our sins and are water baptized in the name of Jesus for the washing away of our sins, Jesus promises to fill us with His Spirit (if we will receive His Spirit). (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4).

When we repent of our sins, it is not just telling Jesus “sorry.” It is regretting we committed these sins, and committing our heart to not repeat them again.

Jesus does not expect us to handle this by ourselves. When we repent and are baptized, His plan is to give us His Spirit to give us power to have a change in our life.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 KJV

"For if ye live after the flesh [your old sinful nature], ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit [the power of the Spirit] do mortify the deeds of the body [put to death the deeds of your sinful nature], ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God [children of God]." - Romans 8:13-14 KJV  

When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus in us, it is as if God breathed into us His breath of life.

Just as when a baby is born, he takes his first breathe and begins breathing. While that first breath gives him life outside the womb, he must CONTINUE to breath to live.

It is the same with us when we are born again of the Spirit. We need to stay full of the Spirit to keep the victory over sin. This is how we WALK in the Spirit.

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh [Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves]." - Galatians 5:16 KJV

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV

The Face of God - The Mercy of God

 

There is a chorus, Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face…

We look forward to heaven and looking upon the face of our Savior Jesus. Within this song and within the Bible, we find there is a deeper meaning "to look upon His face." We find to look upon His face we are in His mercy.

When Jacob was returning to his home country with his family, he sent messengers to his brother Esau. When they came with word that Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men with him, Jacob was “greatly afraid and distressed.” (Genesis 32:7).

That night, Jacob was left alone and there wrestled with a man until the break of day. (Genesis 32:24).

Jacob told the man he would not let him go, except he bless him.

God had mercy on Jacob and allowed him to prevail.

"And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." - Genesis 32:28 KJV

"And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel (“the face of God”): for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." - Genesis 32:30

Jacob saw God’s mercy.

Moses saw God’s mercy.

"And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." - Exodus 33:11a

The priestly blessing calls for God’s mercy.

"The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:" - Numbers 6:25

When God hides His face, it is in anger and forsaking.

David pleaded with God to not hide His face from him.

"Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation." - Psalm 27:9

God said of Israel when they did evil that He would hide His face from them – He would hide His mercy from them.

"Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them..." - Deuteronomy 31:17

Instead of showing them His mercy – His face – He would show them His back – His judgment.

"I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity." - Jeremiah 18:17

Those that look upon the face of Jesus in heaven are in God’s Mercy.

"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." - Revelation 22:3-4

We will look upon his face - there to sing forever of His saving grace. On the streets of glory let me lift my voice - cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice!

There is hope for everyone through Jesus -

 The Bible says,

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators [sexual sin], nor idolaters [worship idols], nor adulterers [commit adultery], nor effeminate [male prostitutes], nor abusers of themselves with mankind [practice homosexuality], nor thieves, nor covetous [greedy people], nor drunkards, nor revilers [abusive], nor extortioners [cheat people], shall inherit the kingdom of God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV

THEN, the Bible says, “And such WERE some of you…” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

What is the change?

"But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV

We are washed, sanctified, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God when we repent of our sins, we are water baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and we are filled with the Spirit of our God, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 22:16, Romans 15:16).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

Increase our Faith

 Faith

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you." - Luke 17:5-6

Jesus told His disciples, a grain of mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, yet when it is sown, it grows and becomes greater than all herbs. (Mark 4:31-32)

When faith is sown in our heart, even if it is a tiny seed of faith, it will grow and become great faith.

We hear about Jesus. We believe. A tiny seed of faith is planted. We begin praying, thanking Jesus for another day of life. We ask Him for His help with the things of life we are going through. We see Jesus answering prayer after prayer. We see Him working miracles. We see His healing touch in our life. With each prayer answered, our faith grows.

Faith is essential to our relationship with God.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6

We have faith in God. We believe the Creator of the universe stepped down into humanity, taking on the form of man, so that He could pay the price of our sins.

Through faith by believing, we are baptized in Jesus name, applying His blood to our life for the remission of our sins. (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)

Because of our faith, we believe God's promise, and receive the gift of His Spirit in us, the Holy Ghost.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

Faith is the beginning. Faith grows. Faith takes us through trials, works miracles, and takes us places as God’s hands, feet, and mouthpiece. We live by faith. We walk by faith. We stand fast in faith. And faith keeps us to the day when we see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face.

We are baptized in the name of the One crucified for us!

 We are baptized in the name of the One crucified for us!! We are baptized in the name of JESUS!!

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

Types and Shadows - The Binding of Isaac: A Living Sacrifice

"And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together." - Genesis 22:6 KJV

The wood represents: The cross. Jesus said, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Mark 8:34 KJV

The knife represents: Circumcision of the heart, which is water baptism in the name of Jesus. "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:11-12 KJV

The fire represents: The baptism of the Holy Ghost. "John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:" - Luke 3:16 KJV "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:3-4 KJV

The altar represents: Sacrifice. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service [This is truly the way to worship him]." - Romans 12:1 KJV

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." - Genesis 22:13 KJV

The ram represents: Christ that took our place as a blood sacrifice. "…For it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." - Leviticus 17:11b KJV

The thicket represents: The tree. Christ was caught on the tree by love, shedding His blood for the world. "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree…" - 1 Peter 2:24 KJV "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." - Ephesians 5:2 KJV

The ram's horn represents: The Jubilee year. (יובל) (yo•bāl') This Hebrew word literally means BOTH "ram's horn" AND "Jubilee year" (blown at the end of the Day of Atonement - Leviticus 25:9).

"And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family." - Leviticus 25:10 KJV

Hebrew slaves (bondmen) were set free the year of Jubilee.

By Christ's death on the cross, those that have been in bondage to sin are set free. (Acts 2:38).

Isaac represents: Laughter. The name 'Isaac' means “He will laugh, he will rejoice.” Laughter was set free.

"And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." - Romans 5:11 KJV

The seed represents: Christ, descendent from Abraham. The nations of the world are blessed by the sacrifice of Christ that set us free from spiritual death, for he was "an offering for sin." (Isaiah 53:10).

"And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." - Genesis 22:18 KJV

Because thou hast obeyed my voice represents: The test. Abraham's greatest test was God asking him to sacrifice his own flesh. Abraham passed the test by his willingness to bind his flesh (not my will, but thy will) and offer it as a sacrifice to God. (His flesh and blood – his son Isaac).

Abraham had faith in God. "And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering..." - Genesis 22:8 KJV "John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." - John 1:29 KJV We, like Isaac, allow our flesh to be bound (carnal nature) as a living sacrifice to God. (Romans 12:2).

“R. Abbahu said: Why do we blow a ram’s horn? The Holy One, blessed be He said: Sound before Me a ram’s horn so that I will remember on your behalf the binding of Isaac, the son of Abraham, and to account it to you as if you had bound yourselves before me.”

"The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him." - Exodus 15:2 KJV

The LORD is my strength:

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. [My power works best in weakness.] Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

He is become my salvation:

"And he [Simeon] came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation," - Luke 2:27-30 KJV

He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation:

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:17-18 KJV

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV

And I will exalt him:

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." - Psalm 34:3 KJV

Church!

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." - Psalm 34:3 KJV

His name is JESUS!

Is it necessary for salvation to forgive?

Is it necessary for salvation to forgive?

Jesus told a story of a servant that owed the king ten thousand talents. He could not pay the debt, so the king ordered him and his family to be sold for payment.

The servant fell down and worshipped him, asking for patience and promising to pay all.

The king was moved with compassion, loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

The same servant went to a fellowservant, which owed him an hundred pence: he laid hands on him, took him by the throat and said, “Pay me what you owe.”

The fellowservant fell down begging him, asking for patience and promising to pay all, but he threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.

When his fellow servants saw this, they were very sorry, and told the king all that was done.

Then the king said to him, “You wicked servant, I forgave you all your debt, because you asked me. Shouldn't you also have had compassion on your fellowservant, even as I had on you?”

And the king was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

"So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." - Matthew 18:35 KJV

[See Matthew 18:23 – Matthew 18:35 for the complete Bible text of this story that Jesus told.]

When we could not pay our debt of sin, Jesus our King had compassion on us and forgave us. Our sins have been forgiven and washed away by the blood of Jesus when we repented and were water baptized in the name of Jesus.

According to Matthew 18: 34-35, if WE are going to be like the wicked servant that REFUSED to forgive the VERY small debt that his fellowservant owed, our debt of sin that Jesus suffered and died for will be returned to us.

Dead to Sin - Alive to God

When we were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins, we were baptized into Jesus Christ and baptized into His death. We repented of our sins and became dead to sin.

What does it mean to be dead to sin?

To be dead to sin means, “To become wholly alienated from a thing, and freed from all connection with it” {Thayer’s Greek Lexicon}

"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” - Romans 6:2

“True Christians are said simply as ‘you have died’, having put off all sensibility to worldly things that draw them away from God:” {Thayer’s}

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." - Colossians 3:3 KJV

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:3-4 KJV

"Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:" - Romans 6:8 KJV

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." - Romans 6:17 KJV

What is that doctrine?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." - Romans 6:22 KJV

Jesus is the Father and the Son, the Creator and the Savior.

Jesus is the Father and the Son, the Creator and the Savior.

How could this be?

God made Himself a body when He overshadowed Mary and she conceived (Luke 1:35). At this point, the Father was in the Son - God was manifest in the flesh (John 14:9, 1Timothy 3:16). He is all powerful God that humbled Himself and felt the pain and temptations of a human (Philippians 2:8, Hebrews 4:15).

The man Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). All the fullness of the Father is in this man, the “Son of God” (Colossians 1:19). Through the blood of this flesh that the Father dwelt in, He reconciled all humanity back to Himself (Acts 20:28, Colossians 1:20).

By the gospel, His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus brought salvation. We claim His salvation by crucifying our sinful nature, burying it in water baptism in the name of Jesus, and receiving the gift of the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Ghost. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-6, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12).

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:12-23

Photo by: Ziel Gabrielle

I die daily - And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

When Paul said, “I die daily” he was NOT saying he repented daily. He WAS saying he risked his life on a daily basis. (“I face death daily.” (NLT); “Every day I am in danger of death!” (NET))

"And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

Paul was willing to face death daily because of his hope through the gospel to be resurrected to life beyond life in this world. (1Thessalonians 4:13-18).

“If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die." - 1 Corinthians 15:30-32 KJV [Beasts: 2Peter 2:12, Jude 1:10; 1Corinthians 15:19]

"For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;" - 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 KJV [2 Corinthians 11:23, 24-28]

Just as Jesus laid down His life and was resurrected, Paul was willing to lay down his life for Jesus’ sake. Because of the treasure of the Spirit in him, Paul also had the hope of resurrection to life eternal. (Romans 8:11).

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you." - 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 KJV [“So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.”]

"Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you." - 2 Corinthians 4:14 KJV

Jesus speaks of the Sound of the Spirit

Jesus told Nicodemus there is a sound when a person is born of the Spirit.

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." - John 3:8

We cannot see where God’s Spirit is coming from, and we cannot see where God’s Spirit is going, but we hear the sound when a person is born of the Spirit. As God fills them with His Spirit, we hear the person speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance.

On the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost was first poured out, there came a sound like the wind, just as Jesus told Nicodemus! What was this sound? It was the speaking of tongues as the Spirit spoke through all the believers in the upper room! Just like Jesus said would happen to everyone that is born of the Spirit.

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:2-4

*photo from Exploring God's Word Bible study

Baptism obviously is important

Baptism obviously is important. When Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came by night to talk to Jesus, the first thing Jesus said to him was, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3).

Nicodemus did not understand that Jesus was speaking about BAPTISM.

"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" - John 3:4 KJV

Jesus clarified that He was NOT talking about a PHYSICAL birth from our mother – He was talking about a SPIRITUAL birth being born again by WATER BAPTISM and SPIRIT BAPTISM.

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." - John 3:5-6 KJV

Jesus CONTINUED preaching the gospel to Nicodemus. He next spoke to Nicodemus of His crucifixion - that He must be “lifted up.”  

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:" - John 3:14 KJV

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 KJV

Remember, JESUS IS STILL SPEAKING TO NICODEMUS HERE, that He told we must be BORN AGAIN to enter the kingdom (everlasting life)!

Next, Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about the importance of His NAME – “JESUS” – to be saved!

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." - John 3:18 KJV

What does the Bible say that Jesus did next after this conversation with Nicodemus?

Jesus BAPTIZED.

"After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized." - John 3:22 KJV

Yes, WATER BAPTISM in the NAME OF JESUS is not only important, it is NECESSARY for our SALVATION.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

Church!

"And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!" - Luke 15:16-17 KJV

"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." - Luke 15:20 KJV

Fed up with the world of sin? When the son "came to himself" he realized true Life is found returning to his Father's house! Jesus, our Heavenly Father, is waiting with love and open arms.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" - Ephesians 2:4-6 KJV

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." - Acts 22:16 KJV (Acts 2:38-39).

5 minutes on Baptism - Pastor Raymond Woodward

  https://youtu.be/7FgoUSvNd5I

Prayer, Spiritual Battles, and True Victory

Our battle is WON when our “enemy” (those driven by a carnal, sinful nature to do evil against us, and those being driven by the god of this world, the devil, to do evil against us) falls under conviction, is converted, and is saved to live for Jesus (Acts 2:38). And THEY JOIN the army of the Lord against the forces of evil.

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." - Acts 26:18 KJV [2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 2Timothy 2:25-26].

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12 KJV

We pray against the forces of evil, we pray for overpowering conviction to fall on those doing unnamable atrocities, that they repent and turn to Jesus. [Acts 2:38].

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV [See: Ephesians 6:10-18].

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. ... But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." - Romans 6:17, 22 KJV

The gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church. By the gospel – the blood, the Spirit, and the name of Jesus -– souls are released and set free - hell cannot hold souls captive. [Acts 2:38, Matthew 16:18, 1Corinthians 10:4].

Types and Shadows - the Ram and the Ram's Horn

 A ram is a male sheep. 

It was a ram that took the place of Isaac as a burnt sacrifice on mount Moriah.

The ram is a type and shadow of Jesus. Just as the ram was sacrificed in the place of Isaac, Jesus was sacrificed in our place. Isaac was set free. He became a living sacrifice. Just Jesus set us free from eternal death for our sins, like Isaac we become a living sacrifice.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." - Romans 12:1 KJV

It was a ram’s horn that blew at Mount Sinai. (Strong’s #H3104 - yobel). "…When the trumpet[H3104] soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount." - Exodus 19:13 KJV

It was a ram’s horn that was blown on the seventh day when the children of Israel marched around Jericho seven times. When the ram’s horn was blown with a long blast, the people shouted with a loud shout and the walls of Jericho fell down. (Strong’s #H3104 -yobel). "And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns:[H3104] … " - Joshua 6:4 KJV

This same Hebrew word “ram’s horn” also means “jubilee.” (Strong’s #H3104 -yobel). The jubilee was the fiftieth year announced by a blast of a ram’s horn during the Day of Atonement. (Leviticus 25:9-11).  It was known as the Year of Liberty. No agricultural work was allowed, slaves were released, and all property returned to the original family. (Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:18-19).

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV

The central observance of the Jewish New Year is blowing the ram’s horn for a total of 100 blasts - a reminder of a king’s coronation, a call to repentance, and when a ram took Isaac’s place as an offering to God, which occurred on this day.

The ram’s horn is a call to return to God.

It appears the ram’s horn will be sounded at the rapture – the trump of God.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 KJV

Strength, direction, and wisdom in trials and attacks that come our way

Jesus gives us strength, direction, and wisdom in trials and attacks that come our way, by prayer, His written word and by His preached word.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

We need to remember,

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12 KJV

It is not the people that are our enemies; it is the spirits they are allowing to motivate them.

In the Bible, Joseph’s brothers were driven by the spirit of jealousy to do evil to Joseph. (Genesis 37).

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 KJV

Joseph went through trials and temptations, yet through it all, Joseph was faithful to Jesus, and Jesus was faithful to him.

His brothers sold him into slavery, but the Lord was with Joseph. The Lord blessed Joseph and the Egyptian he served. Joseph was a witness in his situation, as Joseph’s master saw that the Lord was with Joseph in all that he did.

When temptation came his way, Joseph refused to sin against God. (Genesis 39:9). The Egyptians wife was moved by a spirit of lust and tried to seduce Joseph. When Joseph rejected her advance, she falsely accused Joseph and he was put in prison. Joseph remained true to God no matter what came his way.

While in prison, God gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. (Genesis 39:21). Joseph gave God’s interpretation of the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker, and he was brought out of prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams.

God’s purpose was now accomplished in Joseph, and he was elevated to the highest position in Egypt to distribute food to the world. Only in the throne was Pharaoh greater than Joseph.

Now, Joseph had the opportunity to repay his brothers for their evil. Instead, Joseph forgave them.

"Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

“So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." - Genesis 45:5-8 KJV

Acts 2:38 The Original New Testament Plan of Salvation - Why Wait? Obey Acts 2:38 - with Bible Verses

Acts 2:38

What Jesus proclaimed it would be:

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:46-49 KJV

What Peter preached it to be:

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

The Original New Testament Plan of Salvation

Jesus Died

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 KJV

Death

   1.

Repentance

We Must “Die”

"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" - Romans 6:2 KJV

Jesus Was Buried

"And that he was buried…" - 1 Corinthians 15:4 KJV

Burial

   2.

Baptism

We Must Be Buried

" Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death…" - Romans 6:3-4 KJV

Jesus Rose Again

"And that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:4 KJV

Resurrection

   3.

Holy Ghost

We Must Rise Again

"That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:4 KJV

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." - Romans 8:2 KJV

Why wait? Obey Acts 2:38

Seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus

 Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them to pray.

"And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth." - Luke 11:2 KJV

What does the Bible say God's kingdom is?

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." - Romans 14:17 KJV

How can we enter the kingdom of God in order to have God’s righteousness, peace, and joy?

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 KJV

How are we born of water and of the Spirit?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

When we are filled with God’s Spirit, the Holy Ghost, it is a taste of heaven on earth.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" - Ephesians 2:4-6 KJV

"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." - Luke 17:20-21 KJV

The Holy Ghost is a treasure He places within us.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." - 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

Church! The Light of the world

Church!

On Sunday, the first day of the Hebrew week, called “Yom Rishon” (“first day”) in Hebrew, God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (Genesis 1:3). God is that light.

In the beginning, the light of God was manifested out of the darkness. When God overshadowed Mary and she conceived, the light of God was in her womb, manifest in flesh. The light of God is His glory, His mercy, His Holy Ghost. The son that was born is God in a human body, the light of the world. (John 1:14).

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12 KJV

By the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – He made a way for us to become His light. We celebrate on Sunday that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week! (Mark 16:9).

By repenting of our sins, being baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and the infilling of His Spirit, we follow Him and become His light in the world. The light of His Spirit shines through us.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV [so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face (mercy) of Jesus Christ.]

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" - Ephesians 5:8 KJV We were once facing condemnation for our sins, but now we have the light of His mercy within us. Now we can walk as His children.

God sent Paul,

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." - Acts 26:18 KJV (Acts 26:23).

Time for church! Time for us to be His light in the world! (Acts 2 38).

God's attention

I was thinking about those that every day faithfully pray to God. This reminded me of Cornelius, the first Gentile that received the gift of the Holy Ghost and was baptized in the name of Jesus. (Acts 10). It was his prayers to God that got God’s attention. And his alms.

When I was thinking about how the Bible says it was the prayers of Cornelius that came up for a memorial before God, I realized the verse ALSO mentions his alms.

"He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God." - Acts 10:3-4 KJV

What are alms?

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says alms are mercy, pity, especially as exhibited in giving alms, giving charity… to show one’s compassion. (See Thayer’s and Vine’s definitions below).

Cornelius had God’s attention as a result of his prayers AND his giving.

When Peter came to his house, we hear it again.

"And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God." - Acts 10:30-31 KJV

God’s attention.

 

Thayer's Greek Lexicon: 1. mercy, pity… (especially as exhibited in giving alms, charity: Matthew 6:4; …to practise the virtue of mercy or beneficence, to show one's compassion, [A. V. do alms]...Matthew 6:1…, acts of beneficence, benefactions…Acts 10:2; εἴς τινα, Acts 24:17. Hence, 2. the benefaction itself, a donation to the poor, alms… Luke 11:41; Luke 12:33 (to ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require); Acts 3:2; λαμβάνειν, Acts 3:3; … for (the purpose of asking) alms, Acts 3:10; plural, Acts 9:36; Acts 10:4, 31.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:  Alms, Almsdeeds: connected with eleemon, "merciful," signifies (a) "mercy, pity, particularly in giving alms," Mat 6:1, (see below),2, 3, 4; Act 10:2; 24:17; (b) the benefaction itself, the "alms" (the effect for the cause), Luke 11:41; 12:33; Act 3:2, 3, 10; 9:36, "almsdeeds;" Act 10:2, 4, 31. Note: In Mat 6:1, the RV, translating dikaiosune, according to the most authentic texts, has "righteousness," for AV, "alms."

"Exploring God's Word Bible Study" chart and BAPTISM in the NAME of JESUS

Jesus opened the understanding of His disciples, that they might understand the scriptures...

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:46-47

Jesus told His disciples that REMISSION OF SINS should be preached in His NAME.

At Jerusalem, Peter preached REMISSION OF SINS in the NAME of JESUS...

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

We are baptized in the NAME of JESUS FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.

Paul spoke to the church at Corinth...

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:11

We are WASHED, SANCTIFIED, and JUSTIFIED when we are BAPTIZED in the NAME of JESUS and FILLED with His SPIRIT.

"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" - 1 Corinthians 1:13

We are baptized in the NAME of the One CRUCIFIED for us – JESUS.

The angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream saying...

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

Peter spoke to the rulers of the people, and elders of Israel that there is SALVATION ONLY in the NAME of JESUS....

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

We are saved by the NAME of JESUS when we are BAPTIZED in the NAME of JESUS for the REMISSION of our SINS.

"Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" - James 2:7 KJV

We become CALLED by the name of JESUS when we are BAPTIZED in the name of JESUS.

Ananias said to Saul, who became known as Paul...

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." - Acts 22:16

The NAME of JESUS is CALLED upon us when we are BAPTIZED in the NAME of JESUS.

*chart from "Exploring God’s Word Bible study"

Never doubt what one prayer can do

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV [Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all of God’s holy people everywhere.]

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

"For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children." - Isaiah 66:8 KJV [For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children.]

"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you," - Galatians 4:19 KJV [Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.]

"Pray without ceasing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV [Never stop praying.]

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," - Jude 1:20 KJV

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31 KJV

"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." - James 5:14-15 KJV

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." - James 5:16 KJV

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV [Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.]

Be strong and of a good courage

Joshua led the Children of Israel into the promised land, conquering the enemies in the land and taking the territory that the Lord gave to them.

Jesus told His disciples, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15 KJV

The enemies that we must conquer are spiritual.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12 KJV

Moses told Israel,

"The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said." - Deuteronomy 31:3 KJV

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." - Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV

Apostle Paul told the church,

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." - Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:13 KJV

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," - Ephesians 6:18-19 KJV

Be strong and of a good courage. Go and take the land and people for the name of Jesus. (Acts 2:38).

The blood of Jesus and remission of our sins

John the Baptist’s baptism was “the baptism of repentance” in preparation for the coming of Christ. (Acts 19:4).

Repentance is being sorrowful for our sinful life. It is a change of heart and mind.  It is turning our lives to Jesus and away from sin.

Repentance prepares the way for baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins. (Acts 2:38).

Jesus brought His new covenant by His death on the cross. It is by Jesus’ death that He shed His blood for our sins. The new covenant is a blood covenant.

Jesus told His disciples,

"For this is my blood of the new testament [covenant], which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22).

 By water baptism in the name of Jesus, we enter into His new covenant. By Jesus name baptism, the blood of Jesus is applied to our life. ("Testament" is another word for covenant.)

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:" - Romans 6:3-4 KJV

The name of Jesus carries His blood. When we are baptized in the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus is applied to our life and our sins are remitted.

"And that repentance and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached IN HIS NAME among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:47 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be BAPTIZED every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"To him give all the prophets witness, that THROUGH HIS NAME whosoever believeth in him shall receive REMISSION OF SINS." - Acts 10:43 KJV

Church!

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness:

Come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD He is God:

It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise:

Be thankful unto Him, 

And bless His name.

For the LORD is good;

His mercy is everlasting;

And His truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5 KJV